104.5mm 104.75mm 104.75mm 106mm

Nelson Gallery Sailing Navy Gallery Sailing Navy Gallery

Go to the display case immediately on your right Now turn to face the portraits on the back wall. Continue round the corner to the other side of this case. 11 15 as you enter. 18 Look at the picture in the middle. Creamware Frog mug Ship models made by French Captain Sir Harry Burrard Neale Staffordshire potteries discovered creamware whilst trying Prisoners of War Painted by Sir William to find a substitute for Chinese porcelain. It is made from Beechey. He studied During the French prisoners were kept white Cornish Clay with a translucent glaze, creating the at the Royal Academy Setting in Portsmouth Dockyard. They carved to occupy their cream colour. Frog mugs originated in Sunderland, and in 1772. Some of his time and make money for extra food. As the daily food later Staffordshire and Worcestershire. smaller portraits gained ration included half a pound of meat on the bone, it was him considerable readily available as a raw material. Interestingly, for the reputation and he rigging, they often used their own hair. A sombre mug with a joke inside. began to be employed Very curious! We wondered why such by the nobility until in Sail a solemn scene on the outside was 1793 he was made We like the craftsmanship, combined with a frog on the inside. portrait-painter to there is such attention to Did Nelson have a frog in his throat! Queen Charlotte. detail! It is like recycling as they used the bones left over from their Now walk right to the back of the gallery. Find the case supper! Being prisoners 12 wto the left of the model of Emma Hamilton. they must have had lots of time on their hands to Emma Hamilton’s mourning locket make these. We would definitely like to meet him. He is very Emma had this made whilst in mourning for Nelson. dashing and handsome! His uniform is very smart The jewels are combined with a lock of Nelson’s hair, too – lots of gold braid, especially his epaulets. the codicil to his will and Nelson’s Prayer. Turn and head up the left-hand side of the gallery, 16 you will find your next artefact in a smaller case on the left towards the back. What a poignant memento of And finally in this gallery, go back up the left hand side of a famous love affair. The inscription Sir Christopher Cole’s silver vase 19 the gallery towards the entrance. Our last selection is to the is in Nelson’s own words showing right of the ‘Fight against slavers’ model. how important Emma’s destiny was This vase was presented to Captain Cole by to him. We found this piece terribly sad. Captains Foote and Kenah who fought with him Lord Exmouth’s sword at the battle of Banda Neira. Made by Makepeace and Harker in 1812, the rich decoration includes The City of London presentation sword war trophies similar to those of the Roman era. was awarded after the bombardment of Cross to the other corner of the gallery. You can see the Algiers. Its hilt is set with diamonds and the 13 next item on a ledge to the right of the table. guard inscription includes ‘in testimony of the esteem & gratitude of this court for the Trafalgar Vase We love the decoration, especially the zeal & bravery displayed in the conclusion This was made by Josiah Wedgwood & Sons Ltd and symbols with interesting meanings. For of securing the abolition forever of the horrid presented to the to commemorate the example, the laurel leaves mean Victory, system of Christian slavery’. 200th anniversary of the . and the grapes represent Bacchus It is the only one of its kind in existence. and celebration. Each one is unique. You can imagine him saying “it’s not Even though this is modern, its design is yours – it’s mine!” They make Continue to the back left-hand side of the gallery. you think about his story. traditional and, in classical Wedgewood 17 The next item is in the case on the left wall and has style, reminiscent of a Grecian urn. It is its own unique stand. beautiful and unique, demonstrating that with the craftsmanship is still alive today. Naval General Service Medal The 1848 Naval General Service Medal was Friday Club Trail awarded to those who had served between Walk back up the gallery to the entrance. Before you exit That’s it! We hope you enjoyed our selection. 1793 and 1840. The profile of Queen Victoria 14 go to the case to the left of the door. If you would like to comment on our work Take a tour of the galleries to investigate some of our was by William Wyon, the chief engraver at please visit our facebook page wonderful decorative arts. All the objects have been the Royal Mint, who was influenced by the ‘National Museum of the Royal Navy’. Staffordshire figures famous relief sculptor John Flaxman. specially chosen by The Friday Club, a social activity Staffordshire figures are folk art. Made for the middle classes, group for older people based at the John Pounds they echo their tastes and interests. To make them clay was Centre in Portsmouth. They picked these items pressed into moulds, We really like how the eagle is holding out of personal interest as well as for fired and painted by the medal in its beak – it looks like it has the artistry, skills and workmanship unskilled workers – These pieces are full of history. swooped down thinking ‘I’ll have that!’ Not only because of the famous they demonstrate. often children. and flown back to its perch. Its wings scene they represent but also look protective – telling people ‘you because they are typical of can’t have my medal’. “Nelsoniana” and the Victorian need to show status by having lots of ornaments!

Leave this gallery and walk across to the Sailing Navy Gallery opposite. 106mm 104.75mm 104.75mm 104.5mm

Victory Gallery Victory Gallery Victory Gallery Nelson Gallery

Start your tour on the ground floor of the Victory Gallery. Now turn around. You can’t miss the next object as it’s On entering the Nelson Gallery the next object is in a case Walk round to the other side of the case for the next item. 1 Walk down the right hand side of the gallery. The first item 3 6 suspended from the ceiling in the middle of the gallery! 8 ahead of you to the left. is in a case on the right, just round the corner from the entrance to the Family Area. Admiral Codrington’s medals State barge of King Charles II Glass rummer Captain Pasco’s Prayer Book The Silver Trafalgar Medal, designed Built in 1670, the barge was decorated for Nelson’s The name rummer has nothing to do with rum! It comes by Matthew Boulton, was given funeral by shrouding the gilding and paint in black velvet from the German Römer, a green wine glass that evolved Prayer Books were used for church services, personal to every sailor and marine who and placing a large canopy with black ostrich feathers in the Rhineland and Netherlands over prayer and special occasions. This particular book with fought at Trafalgar. It is believed over the stern. several centuries. They were first made in its brass clasp and decoration was clearly designed as a that 17,264 medals were this country in the 18th century and used gift or elegant keepsake, which is probably why Captain given out. to drink naval grog or beer. They were also Pasco chose it as a present for his wife on their wedding When looking at the barge popular as presents or prizes. day in 1843. it provokes emotion, and We chose these medals a feeling of nostalgia. It is We liked this because it because of the workmanship, fascinating to know that I thought this was a bit fancy for is a personal item whose especially the beautiful it also belonged to King rum and it’s interesting to know simplicity only adds to its enamelling. The colours make Charles II, this means it the name is German from the appeal. It has a unique them very impressive and has two major places in 3rd Century. We picked this as design with a lock, which they really stand out. It is also history. the glass is exquisite with beautiful makes you want to see fascinating to imagine the man engravings commemorating three inside! It also reminds me behind the medals. famous Admirals. of my father, as he owned a book just like this. Continue up the other side of the gallery. The next 7 object is at the end on the left. 4 Now go upstairs. Looking in the direction of the barge, go to the 9 Go to the right of this display. Just round the corner of the first case on your left, just round the corner from the stairs. HMS Bellerophon case you will find the next two items. Anti-Slavery plaque HMS Bellerophon was formerly HMS Waterloo when the Loving cup This plaque shows enslaved Africans begging Britannia figurehead was a full-length representation of the Duke Loving Cups were used for weddings, banquets and to set them free. Behind there is a naval ship flying the of Wellington. When the ship changed name in 1824, ceremonial drinking as a symbol of friendship and white ensign. It is based on an anti-slavery design by extravagant figureheads were not permitted unity. They were also given as trophies at games or Continue down the right hand side of the gallery. Find the William Hackwood for Wedgwood in 1787. The kneeling and simple busts of warriors were typical. competitions. This cup was made by Copeland - formerly 2 last case on the right facing the back of the gallery. figure was used to promote the abolitionist movement Bellerophon was a Greek warrior who Spode – to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of and had considerable impact in bringing the issue of captured Pegasus to help him kill the Trafalgar. It is decorated with anchors for the Royal Navy, Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund Vase slavery to the attention of the public. It could, however, monster Chimaera. plus a rose, shamrock and thistle to represent England, be seen as implying that the Africans were helpless, Ireland and Scotland. The Patriotic Fund began after a meeting at Lloyd’s Coffee when in actual fact many actively resisted slavery. House in 1803. Through national subscriptions, it gave money to the wounded as well as the families of those This is very eye-catching. At first This is patriotic and commemorative. killed in action. It also gave awards of merit. glance it seems like a person It’s amazing to think this is made come to life, you feel he’s looking It is special in so many ways – Fifteen Patriotic Fund vases were awarded after the of wax and ivory as there is so at you! The detail in the eyelashes the three handles, all the detail, Battle of Trafalgar. They were designed by the sculptor much detail. It’s also interesting is stunning; the carving of the colour and gold work. The fact John Flaxman and made by silversmiths at the Royal to see how the plaque reflects face and eyes so realistic. that the interior is rimmed with Goldsmiths, Bridge and Rundell. One side shows Britannia the feeling of the country at the The craftsmanship is excellent. the flags Nelson ran-up on the holding winged Victory in her hand and BRITANNIA time. With the naval ships in the day adds extra depth to the work. TRIUMPHANT. The other side has Hercules slaying the background, it also connects the

Hydra with the inscription BRITONS STRIKE HOME. Navy to abolition.

The next item is just to the right. As each of the Captains at the 10 Now walk down the left hand side of the gallery. The next Battle of Trafalgar received one 5 item is at the end on the left-hand side of the window. of these vases, it is a symbol of Nautilus shell the country’s gratitude for their The engraving on this is by C.H Wood who was a bravery. The style is typical Black Eagle figurehead II specialist carver and exhibited at the Great Exhibition of the time and shows the In 1846 the Admiral Superintendent asked Mr Hellyer, That’s it for this gallery. When you have finished looking in 1851. He engraved lots of ships and may have been influence of Greek and Roman carver of Portsmouth, to create a figurehead for round, go to the Nelson Gallery next door. a sailor as he is even recorded as selling his work on art at the time. HMS Black Eagle. As the Prussian Royal board the Great Eastern in 1860. family frequently used the ship, Hellyer carved an eagle with the Prussian crown on its breast and the markings of the The shape of the shell is Prussian royal coat of arms on its wings. boat-like to us but what really drew our attention was the fact that it was carved by hand and is so This figurehead is unusual but intricate. This object represents the history and the depicts perfectly the name of the ship might of England’s Navy. so well. The features are fierce We ruled the waves! and striking, you can’t help but think about the Prussians sailing in it!